How to get a “marriage to die for” in three easy steps:
I. DIE BY GIVING UP YOUR
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Philippians 2:6 (NIV84) [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
A. Jesus
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II. DIE BY PUTTING OTHERS
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Philippians 2:7 (NIV84) …but [Jesus] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
A. By considering the
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV84) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others…
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B. By extending
Luke 11:4 (NIV84) Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us…
Colossians 3:13 (NIV84) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV84) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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III. DIE BY TAKING UP YOUR
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Philippians 2:8 (NIV84) And being found in appearance as a man, he [Jesus] humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!
A. Dying to your ‘self’ is a
John 12:24-25 (NAS) Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
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IV. SUMMARY: The secret to a GREAT marriage?
A. Learn to
Colossians 3:5 (NIV84) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature [flesh]: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Luke 6:47-48 (ESV) Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.
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Discussion Questions
1. What one, two or three things would need to change in your marriage for it to be “better than you ever imagined”?
2. Are there things in your life that your spouse/friend/relative would appreciate if you gave up your “right” to do? Name those things.
3. Discuss ways in which Jesus “died to Himself” for you and me.
4. Are there practical ways you could “die to yourself” in your marriage (or other relationships) that would make others feel loved or special? Describe these things.
5. Have you made the choice to die to yourself…lately? In what ways? Talk about how it made a difference.